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Hi I'm Lowell

I am a software engineer, a sci-fi lover, a computer nerd, a geocacher, and I am a Mormon.

About Me

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Education:
Cowan Elementary in Cowan, Indiana.
Noblesville High School in Noblesville, Indiana.
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana
BS Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Where I have Lived:
Indiana - Muncie, Cowan, Noblesville, Terre Haute
Maryland - Columbia, Ellicot City
New York - NewYork Mills, Utica
Michigan - Tecumseh, Ypsilanti
California - Corona
Texas - Klein, Round Rock, Pflugerville
My Work:
I am a firmware engineer
I have worked for Westinghouse, GE Aerospace, Xycom, Phoenix Technologies, Compaq, Dell, and AMD. I currently work for NVIDIA.
I have been awarded 11 United States Patents.
Family:
My wife and I were married for time and all eternity in the Washington DC Temple
We have been married over 25 years.
We have four great children.
Hobbies:
Books (mostly science fiction and fantasy).
Music (classic rock)
Wholesome Movies and TV programs (big Star Trek fan).
Geocaching
Disc Golfing
Other:
I am an Eagle Scout.
I am a returned Missionary who served in the California, San Diego Mission (Spanish).
I am a sports fan (especially hockey - Go Red Wings).

Why I am a Mormon

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The church has a very strong focus on the family, and so it seems fitting that my story should begin with my family. My mother's side of the family goes way back in the church. She is a direct descendant of Jonathan Browning whose gun smith shop has been restored by the church in Nauvoo, Illinois. My father is a first generation member of the church who joined the church after meeting my mother. When I was younger my beliefs came largely from my parents. In my teenage years, I attended the church's seminary program. It was through participation in this program that I solidified my own personal convictions. I have personally put the Book Of Mormon promise in Moroni 10:3-5 to the test and through prayer have had the truth of the restored gospel confirmed to me.
I must admit that there have been times in my life where I have wavered a bit. I have been upset with God about some of the circumstances of my life or I have felt trapped by the strict line we are asked to walk. However, every time I have been in this situation I have contemplated what my life would be like without the church and its beliefs and I realize that the church and its beliefs encompass everything that is good and worthwhile in my life and without them I would be lost.

How I live my faith

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My faith is something that guides me and directs me every day. It is who I am; it is the vision of what I want to become. The way I treat my family; The way I treat my employer; the way I treat others I meet are all outward manifestations of my faith and beliefs.
I try to start and end every day with a prayer. I pray in the morning to be guided in my choices and how I treat others. At night I review my day and ask forgiveness for those things I could have done better. I try to study the scriptures every day so that they can take full effect in my life. I try to have prayer and scripture study with my family daily as well. I have to admit that I do not always accomplish all of this but more often than not I do. I know that this strengthens me and strengthens my family.
I have never been one to hide my beliefs from others. I am very open about it and have been able to have many great conversations with friends, neighbors, and co-workers. I know how important all of this is to me and I want everyone I care about to have it too.

Why do Mormons perform proxy baptisms in their temples?

Lowell

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We believe that in order to enter into heaven one has to be baptized by the proper priesthood authority. Unfortunately, most people who have lived on this earth have also died without proper performance of this vital ordinance. Our Father in Heaven, being a just and loving God, would not exclude these individuals simply because they lived in a time or place where the gospel was not preached.
As a critical part of God's comprehensive plan of salvation for all, we believe that when Christ died He instituted the preaching of the gospel to the spirits who had not heard it or had a proper opportunity to accept it while alive on this earth (see 1 Peter 3:18-19, 4:6). Furthermore, we believe that this preaching of the gospel in the spirit world continues today.
Without a body, it is not possible for those in the spirit world who accept the gospel to be properly baptized. To this end, worthy members of the church holding temple recommends go to the temple to be baptized for and in behalf of those who are in the spirit world. This is called a baptism by proxy.
This concept of a proxy may seem strange at first, but consider that the entire christian world believes in a similar act. It is a widely held belief that Jesus Christ suffered for all our sins. To do this He suffered for them for us by proxy. I am grateful He did, just like those in the spirit world are grateful for the faithful members who help them receive the ordinance of baptism.Show moreShow less

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